Grand North India
Sixteen nights across northern India, from Rajasthan’s forts and lakes to the temples of Khajuraho, a tiger safari in Panna and the ghats of Varanasi.
Travel privately through Delhi, Pushkar, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur, Agra, Orchha, Khajuraho and Varanasi, with your own chauffeur and expert local guides throughout.
Private
Tailor-Made Journey
16
Nights in India
Daily
Breakfast Included
Private
Chauffeur Throughout
Expert
Local Guides
ATOL
Protected Holidays
Forts, Temples and Sacred Rivers
A Comprehensive Exploration of India
This journey offers a comprehensive exploration of India’s rich cultural heritage, architectural wonders, vibrant traditions and diverse landscapes.
Travelling through historic cities, sacred towns, royal capitals and spiritual centres, the tour blends grand forts and palaces, intricately carved temples, colourful bazaars, rural charm and iconic monuments. Guests experience a fascinating mix of Mughal, Rajput and ancient Indian history, along with wildlife encounters, scenic countryside drives and immersive cultural moments, from bustling metropolitan life to serene riverfront rituals.
Journey Highlights
Experiences You Will Never Forget
This is the widest of our northern journeys, reaching from the Thar Desert to the Ganges.
Sacred Pushkar
The Brahma Temple, the only one in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma, and the holy Pushkar Lak.
Mehrangarh, Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort rises 125 metres above the Blue City, still bearing the cannonball scars of Jaipur’s armies.
Sunset on Lake Pichola
A Sunset boat ride in Lake Pichola to Jag Mandir, the first island palace on the
The Taj Mahal at Sunrise
Stand before the Taj Mahal in the first light, built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved Mumtaz Mahal.
Tiger Country at Panna
A jeep safari in Panna National Park with a licensed naturalist, then the cascades of Pandav Falls.
Aarti on the Ganges
An early morning Ganges boat ride past the ghats, and the Aarti ceremony at the Ganges by lamplight.
The Temples of Khajuraho
The Western group of temples, carved with roughly 870 sculptures across their interior and exterior walls.
Orchha on the Betwa
Orchha Fort and Jahangir Mahal, built in the seventeenth century to honour Emperor Jahangir’s first visit.
Your Journey
From the Thar Desert to the Ganges
A sweeping route across northern India, linking Rajasthan’s royal cities with the temple towns of Madhya Pradesh and the holiest city on the Ganges.
Delhi
Stop 1
Pushkar
Stop 2
Jodhpur
Stop 3
Udaipur
Stop 4
Jaipur
Stop 5
Agra
Stop 6
Khajuraho
Stop 7
Varanasi
Stop 8
Sample Itinerary
Your Grand North India Journey
The itinerary can be extended, shortened or upgraded to suit your preferred travel style.
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Day 01
Arrive Delhi
A warm reception with fresh floral garlands at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Welcome to Delhi, the City of Djinns. In the afternoon, visit Raj Ghat and ride a Rickshaw through the lanes of the Old Delhi market, past the majestic Red Fort to Jama Masjid.
Day 02 : Delhi
Day 02
The Monuments of New Delhi
Begin at Bangla Sahib Gurudwara and its community kitchen, drive past India Gate, then stop at Laxmi Narayan Temple, also known as Birla Temple. Continue to Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb and a photography stop at Lotus Temple..
Days 03 - 04 : Delhi - Pushkar - Jodhpur
Days 03-04
Sacred Pushkar and the Blue City
Drive to Pushkar for the Brahma Temple and the sacred Pushkar Lake. Next morning, Savitri Temple, climbing with ropeway for panoramic views, then on to Jodhpur and a walk through the old town and local bazaar to the clock tower.
Day 05 : Jodhpur
Day 05
Mehrangarh and Jaswant Thada
Visit Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most famous in India, packed with history and legends. Then Jaswant Thada, the milky white memorial to Jaswant Singh, and the Umaid Bhawan Museum with its porcelain, memorabilia and curiosities.
Days 06 - 07 : Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur
Days 06-07
Ranakpur and the City of Lakes
Stop at **Ranakpur Temple,** and its milk-white marble Chaumukha Mandir en route to Udaipur. Next day, visit Sahelion-ki-Bari, the City Palace and the Vintage and Classic Car Museum, then a Sunset boat ride in Lake Pichola to Jag Mandir.
Days 08 - 09 : Udaipur - Jaipur
Days 08-09
Discover the Pink City
Drive to Jaipur, the first planned city of India. Start at Amber Fort, uphill and downhill by jeep, then Panna-Meena ka kund, Jal Mahal, the Jewel & Carpet Workshops, City Palace and Jantar Mantar, then free time in the world-famous Jaipur’s local markets.
Days 10 - 11 : Jaipur - Abhaneri - Agra
Days 10-11
Abhaneri and Mughal Agra
En route stop at Abhaneri for Chand Baori (stepwell) and Harshat Mata Temple. A sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal the next morning, then Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-daula and a Marble Workshop where artisans practise Marble Inlay work.
Days 12 - 13 : Agra - Jhansi - Orchha - Khajuraho
Days 12-13
Orchha, Khajuraho and Panna
Take the train to Jhansi, then visit Orchha Fort and Jahangir Mahal en route to Khajuraho. The following morning, an early jeep safari in Panna National Park with a licensed naturalist, and a stop at Pandav Falls.
Days 14 - 15 : Khajuraho - Varanasi
Days 14-15
Temple Carvings and the Ganges
Explore the Western group of temples at Khajuraho, then fly or take the train to Varanasi. An early morning Ganges boat ride, a walk in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor, The Bharat Mata Temple, and a Sarnath tour.
Days 16 - 17 : Varanasi - Delhi
Days 16-17
Sarnath, Aarti and Departure
Dhamekh Stupa & Monastery Ruins, the Archaeological Museum and the temple at Sarnath. In the evening, a rickshaw ride through the old city to the Aarti ceremony at the Ganges. Fly or take the train back to Delhi for your departure.
Your Holiday
Thoughtfully Arranged From Beginning to End
Your Journey Includes
- 16-nights accommodation on sharing double/twin room basis with breakfast
- Complete transport in AC vehicle with driver
- English-speaking tour guide for sightseeing as per program
- Train ticket in AC Chair Car class for Agra to Jhansi
- Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi, and boat ride & rickshaw ride in Varanasi
- Ropeway ticket to Savitri Temple in Pushkar and Jeep Ride at Amber Fort
- Audio Guide at Ranakpur and Sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola in Udaipur
- One exclusive Jeep Safari in Panna National Park with a naturalist
Tailor Your Holiday
- Choose from four hotel collections, from comfortable to palace
- Fly or take the Vande Bharat between Khajuraho, Varanasi and Delhi
- Upgrade rail legs to Executive Chair Car
- Add half board dining across the journey
- Add an extra night in Delhi for early morning arrivals
- Add a second safari in Panna National Park
- Adjust the pace and number of nights in each city
Choose Your North India Experience
Travel North India Your Way
Choose the style of holiday that suits you. Every journey is privately arranged and can be personalised around your travel dates, preferred hotels, pace and experiences.
Grand North India Classic
Based on two adults sharing
- Radisson Blu Dwarka or Crowne Plaza Okhla in Delhi
- Umaid Mahal Palace or Dera Mauda in Pushkar
- Indana Palace, Ranbanka Heritage or The Umeed in Jodhpur
- Bamboo Saa Resort or Justa Rajputana in Udaipur
- Hilton Jaipur and Grand Mercure or Clarks Shiraz in Agra
- Ramada by Wyndham or Clarks Khajuraho, Rivatas by Ideal in Varanasi
- Private chauffeur, expert local guides and assistance throughout
Grand North India Luxury
Based on two adults sharing
- Maidens Hotel, Oberoi Group, or Vivanta by Taj in Delhi
- Ananta Spa & Resort in Pushkar
- Ajit Bhawan or Radisson Jodhpur
- Trident Udaipur, Fateh Garh or Fateh Vilas
- ITC Rajputana Jaipur and Courtyard by Marriott Agra
- Hotel Chandela or Radisson Hotel Jass, Taj Ganges in Varanasi
- Private chauffeur, premium vehicle and private local guides
Grand North India Exceptional
For an extraordinary private journey
- The Oberoi New Delhi, The Taj Mahal Palace or The Leela Palace
- The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa
- Raas Jodhpur or Taj Hari Mahal
- Taj Fateh Prakash, Radisson Blu Palace or Raas Devigarh
- Taj Jai Mahal Palace or The Leela Jaipur
- Taj Hotel & Convention Agra and Taj Ganges Varanasi
- Bespoke private touring and a completely personalised itinerary
Prices are per person based on two adults sharing and vary according to travel dates, availability and final hotel selection. International flights are not included in the guide prices above but can be added to create a complete ATOL-protected holiday where applicable.
Looking for something even more exceptional?
We can create a fully bespoke North India journey featuring palace suites and heritage properties including The Oberoi, Taj, RAAS, The Westin and Taj Ganges.
Make It Your Own
Add Extraordinary Private Experiences
Personalise your holiday with special experiences designed around your interests.
A Second Panna Safari
Add a second jeep safari with your naturalist for a better chance of a tiger sighting.
Executive Chair Car Upgrade
Travel the Khajuraho, Varanasi and Delhi rail legs in Executive Chair Car comfort.
Half Board Dining
Add dinner at your hotel every night of the journey, sixteen dinners in total.
An Extra Night in Delhi
Ideal for early morning arrivals, with your room ready from the moment you land.
Travel With Confidence
Why Book With India Vacations?
Your holiday is created by specialists who understand India and know how to make a complex journey feel effortless.
India Specialists
Knowledgeable consultants with first-hand understanding of the destination.
ATOL Protection
Financial protection when your holiday is booked with qualifying flights.
Tailor-Made Travel
Every itinerary can be adapted around your interests, dates and preferred level of comfort.
Personal Assistance
Support before departure and dependable local assistance while you travel.
Your North India Story Starts Here
Let Us Create Your Perfect Journey Through India
Speak to an India specialist and receive a personalised itinerary based on your preferred dates, hotels, experiences and budget.
All itineraries are subject to availability and can be tailored to your requirements.